Moms Are Outraged Over a Starbucks Barista Who Shamed a Pregnant Woman for Drinking Coffee
Ava White
Updated on February 22, 2026
British stand-up comedian Tiffany Stevenson shared a story on Twitter about an "unbelievable bit of womb bothering" she witnessed at Starbucks a couple weeks ago. According to Stevenson, she saw a young male barista realize a customer was pregnant, and ask her if he should make her macchiato a decaf. When she said, "No, thanks," things took a turn.
Unbelievable bit of womb bothering in Starbucks at services . A pregnant woman got her Caramel Macchiato and the guy behind the counter said
'Oh , it's for you . Do you want me to make a decaf?'
She said 'No, thanks'
Him 'No I should because caffeine is bad for the baby'
— Tiffany Stevenson (@tiffstevenson) May 18, 2019
The woman told the barista that she only has one cup of coffee per day so it was fine. He pushed back and told her she shouldn't have it. That's when Stevenson stepped in and told him, "Are you, a man, telling a woman what she should and shouldn't have during a pregnancy?" This did not seem to sway him.
Her 'It's fine I have one a day'
Him 'But…you shouldn't'
Me *almost spontaneously combusting* 'Are you a man , telling a woman what she should and shouldn't have during a pregnancy?
Then he says
'Oh just because it's bad for the baby so that's why I'm saying it'
— Tiffany Stevenson (@tiffstevenson) May 18, 2019
Stevenson told him to stop shaming the pregnant woman, but the barista continued for what Stevenson said was about five minutes. She ended the story on Twitter by quipping: "Are they also doing Ob/Gyn training at Starbucks these days?"
Me 'Unbelievable. Stop it'
Then he continues to try and justify policing a complete stranger for 5 minutes. He was maybe 30 years old max.
Are they also doing Ob/Gyn training at Starbucks these days?
— Tiffany Stevenson (@tiffstevenson) May 18, 2019
Stevenson's tweet got a lot of attention and sparked outrage among people who feel pregnant women are treated like "public property" and are always being told what's supposedly best for their babies.
Literally nothing surprises me anymore, that we become 'public property' when pregnant, it's just hideous
— polly molotov ❤️💙🧡💚💖💜 (@NursepollyRgn) May 18, 2019
Women who have previously been pregnant could certainly relate to the experience.
You are the best, Tiff. When I was pregnant, I had a stranger in a lift say to me "Oooh should you really be drinking coffee, Mum?" It's not coffee. It's none of your business. And unless I've given birth to you, you don't call me Mum.
— Cal Wilson (@calbo) May 18, 2019
And many pointed out that no one knows what's better for a pregnant woman than that particular pregnant woman.
Because when you are pregnant you don't know what's good for you. You need a strapping young batista to tell you.
— Charlie (@tonerenilorac) May 18, 2019
While some studies have indicated that consuming caffeine during pregnancy could hinder the growth of the fetus, others have found that there is little to no risk involved as long as the caffeine intake is moderate. Due to these inconclusive results, March of Dimes suggests that, if you want to play it safe, you can limit yourself to 200 milligrams each day, or one 12 ounce cup of coffee. Which means that this pregnant woman was speaking from an informed position when she told the barista that her one cup of coffee per day is fine. And, one way or another, the consensus on Twitter is that it's never a good idea to get between a pregnant woman and her coffee.
I'm currently pregnant and if someone tried to take my one coffee a day away I'd punch them in the face. None of his business. Love you for sticking up for her
— Julia (@jewjuba) May 18, 2019
And to learn why it's a good idea to limit your caffeine intake, even if you're not pregnant, check out Here's Exactly How Much Caffeine You Need to Drink to Overdose.
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Diana Bruk Diana is a senior editor who writes about sex and relationships, modern dating trends, and health and wellness.Read moreFiled UnderNews • ParenthoodRead This NextSo Many Moms Die in Disney Movies Because of Walt Disney's Own Mother
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